LOBI ART, Burkina Faso

The objects above have been vetted as being authentic, many with significant signs of use and age.

LOBI STYLE ART, Burkina Faso

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

Lobi Figures are the enigmatic, brooding sculpture that protect the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. Ranging in size from 7 - 47" high, most are frontal, symmetrical and timeless sentinels expressing the traditional beliefs of the Lobi. Several, such as these couple figures, depart from the norm with animated gestures, asymmetry or a great degree of symbolic abstraction.

The figures were placed on family altars in the thilda, a small sacristy or room in each dwelling. Each figure was not a representation but an actual spirit, or tibil thil. It protected the family and home from illness and other misfortunes. The spirit could also be used for divination; it could demand offerings and additions of other figures. The accumulation of statues on a family altar gave social status and were passed on from father to son. The collection we have on exhibit is large and varied. Most were frontal and symmetrical, but some have unusually animated gestures.

GO TO LOBI FIGURES PAGE

GO TO LOBI DAGARI FIGURES PAGE

GO TO LOBI FIGURES ARCHIVES PAGE

GO TO LOBI HEADS PAGE

GO TO LOBI SNAKE CURRENCY PAGE

GO TO LOBI SNAKE CURRENCY PAGE 2

GO TO LOBI STOOLS PAGE 

GO TO LOBI VESSELS PAGE

GO TO FAMILY MATTERS EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO MATERNITY FIGURES PAGE

GO TO COUPLES PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO MASKS AND HEADS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN METALWORK PAGE

GO TO NEW ADDITIONS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN STOOLS PAGE